TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

TODAY’S MESSAGE

A stroll through Corinth reveals temple after temple dedicated to god after god. The buildings stood as magnificent markers of religion. Go to the temple to worship. Go to the temple to appease the gods. Care for the temple with respect. When word spreads about a new God in Corinth, the natural question would have been, “Where is his temple?” Paul answered that the believers, collectively, are God’s temple.

The concept was unheard of. Corinthians believed the gods dwelled in their temples. Paul is teaching that they, as a community of Jesus-followers, were the place God’s presence resides. This group of believers from radically different social positions and backgrounds were more beautiful to God than the most magnificent temple.

We are the place God dwells when we gather. The gathering isn’t sacred because it’s held in sacred space; the space is sacred because of the gathering. We are God’s temple as we congregate for a weekend service, sit in a circle for small group or take over the corner of a coffee shop with Jesus-following friends. It’s not about the location, but the love of Christ the community lives out wherever they are.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

How are you building God’s temple? As you grow in the Habits of Love, you contribute to the unity and community of believers. Which love habit are you struggling with the most? Write it in your Culture of the Cross Journal on page 50 and ask God in his power to help you grow in this habit.